Hawaii Resort...Animals?

[chiamarie]

While browsing the disneycareers.com website, I saw that they have a "Husbandry Associate" position open. Reading the job description, has anyone heard what kind of animal programs they are going to be having here? It sounds like they're doing dolphin swims, but I maybe wrong?

(also, sorry if I posted this in the wrong board, I wasn't sure where to put it).

Thanks!

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

While browsing the disneycareers.com website, I saw that they have a "Husbandry Associate" position open. Reading the job description, has anyone heard what kind of animal programs they are going to be having here? It sounds like they're doing dolphin swims, but I maybe wrong?

Aulani will have fish ponds, tide pools, and a snorkeling reef. The resort will showcase local sea life and present it in the context of Hawaiian traditions.

I haven't read anything about local land animals and birds, but I wouldn't be surprised if Aulani also includes some of these, again in context.

Dolphin swims are EXTREMELY unlikely. It's a controversial practice, and it takes a large facility to provide the appropriate habitat. Also, we'd know about by now because it would be a major selling point of Aulani.

 

[skiingfast]

I would bet they will have horse riding, internal or exteranal though. Maybe working with the popultation of chickens or seaturles that are around Hawaii.

 

[DVC Dude]

Animal husbandry, also called animal science, stockbreeding or simple husbandry, is the agricultural practice of breeding and raising livestock.

 

[chiamarie]

Animal husbandry, also called animal science, stockbreeding or simple husbandry, is the agricultural practice of breeding and raising livestock.

Thanks, I know excatly what animal husbandry is. Myself, and several people I know work in "Animal Husbandry" (which is why I was even looking at this job posting to begin with).

The way the acutal job description is worded; makes it sounds like there will be more than just fish there. This direct quote from the job description, makes me think it would be more than just fish:

" In addition, the Husbandry Associate will be trained in a practical understanding of operant conditioning as it relates to the daily management and
research of the species under their care."

As well as "The Husbandry Associate is responsible for assisting the Aulani Animal Care team with the care, well-being, management, behavioral conditioning and enrichment of the animal collection"

Not that operant conditioning, behavioral conditioning, and enrichment aren't important to fish; but thoes key words are implications of animals that will require training for something.

As others suggested, maybe not Dolphins, but perhaps Horses...I'm thinking maybe even seals/sealions perhaps.

Either way the job description does list that they want you to know a bit about fish in general.

I was just wondering if anyoen had heard of anything other than fish that would be put into this new resort.

Also, if you want to read the full job descritption (and not make assumptions based just on the job title) feel free to do so here:
https://disney.recruitmax.com/main/...292078&szReturnToSearch=1&szWordsToHighlight=

 

[nytimez]

Thanks, I know excatly what animal husbandry is. Myself, and several people I know work in "Animal Husbandry" (which is why I was even looking at this job posting to begin with).

The way the acutal job description is worded; makes it sounds like there will be more than just fish there. This direct quote from the job description, makes me think it would be more than just fish:

" In addition, the Husbandry Associate will be trained in a practical understanding of operant conditioning as it relates to the daily management and
research of the species under their care."

As well as "The Husbandry Associate is responsible for assisting the Aulani Animal Care team with the care, well-being, management, behavioral conditioning and enrichment of the animal collection"

Not that operant conditioning, behavioral conditioning, and enrichment aren't important to fish; but thoes key words are implications of animals that will require training for something.

As others suggested, maybe not Dolphins, but perhaps Horses...I'm thinking maybe even seals/sealions perhaps.

Either way the job description does list that they want you to know a bit about fish in general.

I was just wondering if anyoen had heard of anything other than fish that would be put into this new resort.

Also, if you want to read the full job descritption (and not make assumptions based just on the job title) feel free to do so here:
https://disney.recruitmax.com/main/...292078&szReturnToSearch=1&szWordsToHighlight=

Two of the main qualifications seem to be fish-related -- so I'd say they're giving a "husbandry" title to somehow who will be working with sea life:

• Basic knowledge of fish behavior, physiology, general biology, nutritional requirements and reproductive needs

• Ability to work safely with chemicals and familiar with proper handling


...I'm assuming the chemicals in question are aquarium-related...

 

[chiamarie]

Yeah, half the job description obviously flat out states, fish and sea life in general. But the part about conditioning is where I get confused; because that typically doesn't have anything to do with fish/stingrays/coral/"sealife"....that typically has to do with more of a mammal or birds with that aspect of the job description. It's probably more of birds and less of mammals. I hadn't really thought of birds, but I guess that would be a good possibility.

 

[nytimez]

Yeah, half the job description obviously flat out states, fish and sea life in general. But the part about conditioning is where I get confused; because that typically doesn't have anything to do with fish/stingrays/coral/"sealife"....that typically has to do with more of a mammal or birds with that aspect of the job description. It's probably more of birds and less of mammals. I hadn't really thought of birds, but I guess that would be a good possibility.

The stuff you say about conditioning makes sense, at least to me as someone not in your field -- but it could also be a deliberate attempt by Disney to keep it vague so the job description doesn't give away details they don't yet want public.

Also, I could be wrong, but when I took a tour at the aquarium in Tampa, I'm pretty sure it was led by someone in "husbandry" there. Seemed like a junior-level person, but I think that's what she called her job -- husbandry assistant or assistant in husbandry or something... so is it possible aquariums use some of the same terminology?

 

[skiingfast]

Also, if you want to read the full job descritption (and not make assumptions based just on the job title) feel free to do so here:
https://disney.recruitmax.com/main/...292078&szReturnToSearch=1&szWordsToHighlight=

Thanks for posting the link.

It gives me two thoughts.

Sting Ray feedings, but it doesn't list anything about going in water.
My other thought is taking care of the koi or fish tanks. Most reef fish can't reproduce in captivity but if Disney wants to seem envirmental conscience, it may need to spend extra time keeping the few species that are in just the right conditions to reproduce.

 

[chiamarie]

The stuff you say about conditioning makes sense, at least to me as someone not in your field -- but it could also be a deliberate attempt by Disney to keep it vague so the job description doesn't give away details they don't yet want public.

Also, I could be wrong, but when I took a tour at the aquarium in Tampa, I'm pretty sure it was led by someone in "husbandry" there. Seemed like a junior-level person, but I think that's what she called her job -- husbandry assistant or assistant in husbandry or something... so is it possible aquariums use some of the same terminology?

Yes, someone who is a "husbandry-something" is generally someone who is in a lower level; still learning a lot about the job in general. A lot of aquariums, and zoos use this as an entry level job title, or something similar.

I also agree, that disney must be keeping it vague as to not give away too much; so I thought I'd ask my fellow DISer's if they had heard anything. Clearly, all we know is fish and possibly some birds. But I'm willing to bet, that down the road they might expand and have more than just fish, but won't right away. Which is why, as of right now, it's not a major selling point.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I would bet they will have horse riding, internal or exteranal though. Maybe working with the popultation of chickens or seaturles that are around Hawaii.

There are no facilities or space on Aulani property for horses or horse paths. The site is 21 acres, and the site is used rather intensively. Sure, Disney could offer excursions to a riding facility elsewhere on Oahu, but such a facility would not be part of Aualni.

Although there are wild chicken in Hawaii, especially on Kauai (which does not have mongooses to keep them under control), I would certainly not expect Disney to introduce this nuisance to Ko Olina. Also, there are mongooses at Ko Olina, so wondering chickens would quickly become mongoose food.

There are protected sea turtles in the ocean waters of Hawaii, but I'm not sure how animal care cast members at Aulani would be involved with them.

I also agree, that disney must be keeping it vague as to not give away too much; so I thought I'd ask my fellow DISer's if they had heard anything. Clearly, all we know is fish and possibly some birds. But I'm willing to bet, that down the road they might expand and have more than just fish, but won't right away. Which is why, as of right now, it's not a major selling point.

There's really no reason for Disney to keep it vague at this point. Disney is trying to get people to reserve hotel rooms at $399 or more per night, and Disney is trying to sell expensive DVC points. In both cases, there's the promise of a resort with far more amenities than the typical Hawaiian resort. There will be fish ponds and tide pools filled with bright native sea life, as well as a manmade snorkel lagoon. The pools, water slide, and lazy river will be the most spectacular on Oahu. There will be authentic Hawaiian culture programs for all ages. At this point, it makes more sense to let potential customers know about all the great things that await them than to hide things.

In late August, Disney will open Aulani with grounds that are complete, expect for one event lawn (which will not be available at first because of staging for ongoing room construction). So I would not expect other animal habitats to be in the plans.

 

[chiamarie]

In late August, Disney will open Aulani with grounds that are complete, expect for one event lawn (which will not be available at first because of staging for ongoing room construction). So I would not expect other animal habitats to be in the plans.

All I am saying is perhaps something in the FUTURE maybe added with animals that obviously need work with operant conditioning and behavior modification. Fish generally do not have the brain capacities to train (that being said, I know of a shark at Discovery Cove that is clicker trained, and that SeaWorld has each specific specie of shark trained to come to a certian area of the pool to be fed).

Disney is obviously planning (wether it be at grand opening, a year from now, 5 years from now or 20 years from now) to have something more than fish; if in their job description says that they want someone to

"The Husbandry Associate is responsible for assisting the Aulani Animal Care team with the care, well-being, management, behavioral conditioning and enrichment of the animal collection. This includes daily routines of animal observation, diet preparation, cleaning, and collecting water samples. In addition, the Husbandry Associate will be trained in a practical understanding of operant conditioning as it relates to the daily management and research of the species under their care. The Husbandry Associate will assist the Aulani Animal Care team to provide exceptional interactive experiences at Makai Preserve. "

Pay particular attention to the bolded items. Fish do not require bheavioral condition or enrichment (or much compared to birds and mammals as fishes brains are not as large as mammals); "of the species under their care" . Right there they had the opportunity to list what animals they would be using operant conditioning with, and they choose to leave it out. Which is why all I am doing is asking if anyone has heard what species this might be (ruling out fish, as I already have said why I don't think this part of the job description pertains to fish).

So just because they aren't initally planning on having dolphin swims, or sealion swims or....whatever it is they are planning out in the Grand Opening. Disney also wants guests to return to their property after visiting once; by adding new things each year. Wether it be refurbished rooms, a new slide/pool, or a new animal interaction program....

So my question is if anyone has heard if there is going to be anything other than fish there? If so, what?

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

All I am saying is perhaps something in the FUTURE maybe added with animals that obviously need work with operant conditioning and behavior modification.

Or it could be something as simple as reusing standard wording from Animal Kingdom job descriptions.

So my question is if anyone has heard if there is going to be anything other than fish there? If so, what?

I haven't read anything anything about dolphin swims, sea lion swims, or anything along those lines at Aulani. I've read a lot about Aulani, and, within this thread, I've discussed what Disney has announced regarding sea life.

Keep in mind that the lagoon is not part of Aulani. It's public property with public access. And there isn't room on Aulani property to put in a proper artificial dolphin habitat and support facilities for a dolphin swim, so it's EXTREMELY unlikely.